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Our Impact

What changed because of our work: reformed laws and policies, stronger civil society, and citizens holding duty-bearers to account.

Impact at a Glance

Not only how large we are, but what changed because of our work. Each figure shows its reporting period and links to the evidence.

245,000+Citizens directly engaged in monitoring public services through Citizen Voice and Action2019 – presentEvidence
22Districts reached by CLADHO's ongoing projectsCurrent portfolioEvidence
6National policy and legal changes CLADHO's advocacy contributed to2007 – presentEvidence
90%Of CLADHO's recommendations adopted in the revised National Strategy for TransformationNST1, 2017 – 2024Evidence
120+Civil society organizations strengthened to apply a Human Rights-Based ApproachSince 1993Evidence
80Participatory governance spaces facilitated, including scorecards and budget hearingsPPIMA projectEvidence

From Evidence to Influence

How CLADHO turns research and citizen voice into changes in law, policy and public budgets.

  1. 01

    Evidence

    Research, monitoring and budget analysis document what is happening on the ground.

  2. 02

    Citizen Voice

    Citizens, children and member organizations bring their priorities forward.

  3. 03

    Policy Dialogue

    Findings reach Parliament, ministries and districts through hearings and dialogue.

  4. 04

    Systems Change

    Laws, policies, plans and budgets change, and implementation is monitored.

Child Rights2017
The issue
Child sexual abuse and teenage pregnancy lacked national evidence to guide a coordinated response.
CLADHO's contribution
Conducted the first national research on child sexual abuse and teenage pregnancy.
What changed
A National Steering Committee was established to lead the national response.
Child Rights resources
Child RightsMay 2016
The issue
Children under 18 were being employed as domestic workers.
CLADHO's contribution
Advocated for the recognition and regulation of domestic work.
What changed
A Ministerial Order prohibited child domestic work for anyone under 18.
Child Rights resources
GovernanceNST1, 2017 – 2024
The issue
Citizen priorities needed to shape Rwanda's national development strategy.
CLADHO's contribution
Submitted evidence-based recommendations on the revised National Strategy for Transformation and advocated for their adoption.
What changed
90% of CLADHO's recommendations were adopted in the revised NST1.
Governance resources
Human Rights2007
The issue
Rwandan law still provided for the death penalty.
CLADHO's contribution
Led advocacy efforts for its abolition.
What changed
The death penalty was abolished in Rwanda.
Human Rights resources
Public FinanceOngoing
The issue
Civil society needed a structured role in preparing the national budget.
CLADHO's contribution
Coordinated civil society participation in the Budget Framework Paper process.
What changed
CSO participation in Budget Framework Paper preparation was institutionalized under CLADHO's coordination.
Public Finance resources
Child Rights
The issue
Children needed stronger legal protection from hazardous and exploitative work.
CLADHO's contribution
Contributed to the development of the Ministerial Order.
What changed
A Ministerial Order on the elimination of the worst forms of child labor was adopted.
Child Rights resources

Strengthening Institutions and Communities

Further results from CLADHO's work with civil society, local government and communities.

  • Facilitated the integration of the Human Rights-Based Approach into 120+ civil society organizations.

  • Monitored the Gacaca Courts (2003–2009) through community awareness and legal protection for witnesses.

  • Strengthened the capacity of JADF members, CSOs and district staff on gender-responsive budgeting with GIZ and MINECOFIN.

  • Conducted a national assessment of the implementation of the 2019 National Land Policy (2025).

  • Trained more than 1,200 local land actors and ran community land clinics, directly benefiting 2,452 people.

Stories of Change

The problem, what CLADHO did, and what changed for the community.

All success stories
Gatsibo District2025Citizen Voice and Action (CVA)

CVA Complementing Government Initiatives

Garbage in Public Places Not a Rwandan Culture

  1. The problem

    Garbage was accumulating in public spaces, including Rwagitima market.

  2. What CLADHO did

    CVA groups mobilized citizens and engaged local authorities, complementing government cleanliness initiatives.

  3. What changed

    Cleanliness was restored to public spaces, showing the power of citizen-led accountability.

Gatsibo District2025

Advocacy in Action

Restoring Water Supply After One Year of Tank Damage

  1. The problem

    Damaged water tanks left communities in Gatsibo District without a reliable water supply for a full year.

  2. What CLADHO did

    CLADHO supported sustained community advocacy with local authorities.

  3. What changed

    The water supply was restored, giving communities reliable access to safe, potable water.

Kiramuruzi Sector2025Citizen Voice and Action (CVA)

Community-Led Nutrition Initiative

Kitchen Garden Initiative in Kiramuruzi Sector

  1. The problem

    Malnutrition was affecting children attending early childhood development (ECD) centers.

  2. What CLADHO did

    CVA groups worked with local leaders to plan and establish kitchen gardens.

  3. What changed

    Kitchen gardens were established in ECD centers to address child malnutrition through community-driven action.

Get Involved

Work with CLADHO to advance human rights, citizen voice and accountable governance in Rwanda.

Partner With UsCo-design research, advocacy and programs with Rwanda's human rights umbrella.Get started Become a MemberJoin the network of human rights leagues and associations working together.Get started OpportunitiesJobs, consultancies, calls for proposals, tenders, internships and volunteering.Get started Contact UsQuestions about our work, publications or projects? Our team will respond.Get started
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